Former President Bill Clinton encouraged supporters in Albany, Georgia, on Sunday to rally around Vice President Kamala Harris’ positive campaign for the presidency.
“Bringing people together and acting as repairers of the breach, as noted in Isaiah, are the actions that truly make a difference,” Clinton stated. “While blaming and dividing may bring in votes during elections, they don’t lead to real progress.”
Despite a less-than-full Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Clinton received a warm welcome, met by a standing ovation from the audience, which included a mix of older attendees and younger individuals scattered throughout the congregation.
Takisha Campbell commented on the significance of Clinton’s visit, stating, “Having the former president here today during our church service was a wonderful opportunity for southwest Georgia to encourage voting, especially among our youth.”
Georgia stands out as one of seven critical states in this presidential election, particularly with Black voter turnout being crucial for Democrats aiming to secure the state’s 16 electoral votes. Current polling indicates a tight race between Harris and former President Donald Trump, with President Joe Biden having narrowly won Georgia in the 2020 election by just 11,779 votes. This was historic, as it marked the first time a Democratic presidential candidate won the state since Clinton’s victory in 1992. Although Clinton lost Georgia to Bob Dole in 1996, he still achieved re-election that year.
In 1992, Clinton and then-Senator Al Gore campaigned in southwest Georgia, traveling via bus to connect with rural voters. Earlier this year, Harris and Governor Tim Walz revived this approach, making stops in Savannah and Liberty County, although they did not venture westward.
During his address at Mt. Zion, Clinton reflected on a less divisive political era and expressed concern over today’s landscape, rife with misinformation. He referenced a controversial claim made by U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene on X, alleging that Democrats were to blame for Hurricane Helene’s impact in the southeast last month, and labeled Vice Presidential hopeful JD Vance a “yes man” to Trump for his refusal to acknowledge Trump’s 2020 loss.
Clinton highlighted Harris’ achievements and commitments, including efforts to reduce insulin costs and stimulate economic growth, asserting that her initiatives would enhance financial opportunities, particularly for first-time homebuyers.
Regina Whearry, a service attendee, expressed a desire for greater awareness of Clinton’s visit, appreciating how he interwove policy discussions with scripture. “His message was crucial, especially since our turnout is quite low in this area, particularly among Black males,” Whearry noted.
Clinton is viewed as a potential catalyst for mobilizing both rural and Black voters. However, it remains uncertain whether his influence can still resonate with younger Black voters, as the demographic familiar with his administration continues to age. Nonetheless, he emphasized the significance of this year’s election. “The entire outcome hinges on how those who are undecided choose to vote in the upcoming weeks,” Clinton remarked. “It’s the most bizarre situation I have ever witnessed.”
Polls indicate that Black registered voters maintain largely favorable opinions of Harris and unfavorable views of Trump, even as the latter tries to connect with nonwhite voters. However, the same polls reveal uncertainty among many Black voters about whether Harris would positively impact the nation or their own personal lives.
The city of Albany holds historical importance as a significant site in civil rights struggles, drawing national attention in the early 1960s when numerous activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., were arrested in protests.
Before speaking at Mt. Zion, Clinton also addressed supporters at a campaign office in Albany, sharing that he requested to engage in rural communities, where he feels most comfortable.